October 13^th is World Thrombosis Day, a day which shines a light on the serious but often misunderstood or unknown condition of thrombosis, or blood clots.

Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in the blood vessels (arteries or veins), stopping the blood from flowing normally. The blood clot can then travel to the heart, brain, lungs, or other organs. It is a serious condition and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of thrombosis can depend on the location of your blood clot and how big it is. In general, symptoms of a blood clot may include:

• swelling or pain in the leg or arm
• warmth or redness in the leg or arm
• shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• chest pain (particularly when breathing deeply)
• coughing or coughing up blood
• severe headache that won’t go away

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may have a clot and need urgent medical treatment.

In July the Irish Heart Foundation added thrombosis to the cardiac conditions it supports following the winding down of Thrombosis Ireland, a charity founded to raise awareness and advocate for those affected by the condition.

The Irish Heart Foundation now provides information about the signs and symptoms of thrombosis, along with support services including access to our Nurse Support Line, to those affected by the condition. As the national stroke and heart charity, adding this condition further supports our mission to eliminate preventable death and disability from heart disease and stroke, and to support and care for those living with these life-changing conditions.

To mark World Thrombosis Day the Foundation is hosting a free ‘All about clots’ online event on the 13^th of October from 12 noon to 1.30 pm. This event is for anyone affected by thrombosis and is open to members of the public, patients, and healthcare professionals.

The panel of four expert presenters includes:

• Dr Maeve Crowley, Consultant Haematologist, Cork University Hospital
• John Finnerty, thrombosis patient
• Dr Sinead Lynch, Senior Psychologist, The Mater Hospital
• Sinead O’Mahony, Pharmacist, St. Vincents University Hospital

Those interested in attending the event, can register here

The ‘Head to Toe Challenge’ is new for this year’s World Thrombosis Day, and invites people worldwide to get involved and to record a short video featuring the classic children’s song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. Share your video on social media to raise awareness and promote prevention.

The challenge is more than symbolic. By touching each body part in the song, participants demonstrate how thrombosis can strike from head to toe, and how prevention protects the whole body.

Get creative, post your photos or videos and tag @IrishHeartFoundation #WTDay25 and #HeadToToeChallenge.

World Thrombosis Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play, from individuals and families to hospitals and policymakers, in spreading awareness, protecting lives, and empowering others.

More information on World Thrombosis Day can be found here